20 Quick & Easy Keto Dinners Ready in 20 Minutes or Less

Busy weeknights don’t have to stop you from eating keto. You can make easy keto dinners quickly and enjoy them. If you’re also eating low-carb for weight management, this guide explains how keto helps with weight loss based on science. These 20 recipes are all ready in 20 minutes or less.

These meals use simple ingredients. To keep your dishes clean and low-carb, here’s a helpful list of keto-friendly sweeteners you can use when cooking. They are perfect for quick and easy keto dinners.

You’ll get delicious, healthy meals fast, without losing flavor. Experts like Maya Krampf and Leanne Vogel inspired these recipes.

Key Takeaways

• All 20 recipes require 20 minutes or less of active cooking time
• Each dish uses accessible ingredients from your regular grocery store
• These meals help you maintain your ketogenic lifestyle even on hectic weeknights
• Recipes are designed for both beginners and experienced low-carb cooks
• Minimal prep work means more time for family and personal activities
• Simple cooking methods deliver maximum flavor without complexity

Make your weeknights even easier:
Use this free 2-Page Keto Super Checklist to stock your kitchen for fast dinners.

In the beginning, it was a shift not to grab packaged foods anymore, but cooking from scratch makes you feel so much better.

To make your daily keto meals easier to plan, you can use our Keto Macro & TDEE Calculator to find your ideal carb, protein, and fat targets.

Key Benefits of Quick and Easy Keto Dinners

Quick and easy keto dinners are more than just fast. They help you stay consistent, save money, and keep everyone happy. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

• Save Time on Busy Nights

Fast prep and simple steps mean you can get a healthy meal on the table in minutes, not hours.

• Reduce Grocery Costs

Most recipes use affordable, everyday ingredients. This helps you stretch your budget without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.

• Family-Friendly and Versatile

These dinners are designed to please everyone. Even non-keto family members enjoy the flavors, so you don’t have to cook separate meals.

• Stress-Free Meal Planning

Easy recipes make weeknight cooking predictable and smooth. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy your evenings.

• Stay Consistent With Your Goals

By keeping dinner simple, you avoid last-minute takeout. This helps you stick to your low-carb routine with confidence.

Pro Tips for 20-Minute Easy Keto Dinner Success

Use these simple tricks to make your easy keto dinners even faster, fresher, and more consistent:

• Prep Smart Ingredients Once a Week

Chop veggies, portion proteins, and pre-wash greens. A few minutes of prep on Sunday can save you 30+ minutes every night.

•  Keep Keto Staples on Hand Stock

items like eggs, chicken thighs, zucchini, avocado, cheese, and olive oil. With the right basics, a 20-minute dinner is always possible.

• Use One-Pan and Air Fryer Recipes

Sheet pans, skillets, and air fryers slash cooking time and cleanup. They’re perfect for quick weeknights.

• Choose Fast-Cooking Proteins

Opt for shrimp, salmon, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken. They cook quickly and pair well with virtually any low-carb vegetable.

• Don’t Overcomplicate Flavor

A few powerful ingredients—garlic, lemon, herbs, butter—can make any keto meal taste restaurant-worthy without extra effort.

• Make Extra for Tomorrow

Double your recipe and enjoy leftovers for lunch. It saves both time and money.

• Keep a “Last-Minute Keto List”

Have a small list of go-to 10–15 minute meals (like eggs, lettuce wraps, skillet chicken, or tuna salads) for the nights you’re extra busy.

Want fewer grocery trips this winter? Keep these basics ready:
winter keto pantry staples you can store without a fridge.
 

Balancing life can be hard and being a healthy adult isn’t fun all the time, but nothing is impossible if divided into small parts.

Fast, Easy Keto Dinners Ready in 20 Minutes or Less

Busy weeknights just got easier! Every one of these delicious keto dinners can be on your table in 20 minutes or less—perfect for staying on track without spending hours in the kitchen.

The secret to sustainable keto living isn’t restriction—it’s having a diverse collection of delicious recipes that keep you excited about every meal.

#1 Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken — 5g net carbs

5g net

🕒 20 min🥄 5g net carbs🍳 1 pan

You’ll need

• 2 chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook chicken: Season & cook until golden (5-7 mins/side). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Create sauce: Add cream, Parmesan, seasoning, spinach & sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until spinach wilts.
4. Combine & serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it.

Pro tip: Use pre-sliced chicken tenders for faster cooking.

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#2 Keto Chicken Stir-Fry — 4g net carbs

4g net

🕒 20 min🥄 4g net carbs🥬 Low carb

You’ll need

• 1 lb chicken thighs, bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, broccoli)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Garlic, ginger, avocado oil

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook chicken: Heat oil, cook chicken until browned (5-6 mins).
2. Add veggies: Push chicken aside, add veggies (3-4 mins).
3. Add aromatics: Add garlic & ginger, stir 30 seconds.
4. Finish: Pour sauce over everything, toss to coat.

Pro tip: Use pre-cut coleslaw mix for ultimate shortcut.

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#3 Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets — 2g net carbs

2g net

🕒 17 min🥄 2g net carbs🧀 High protein

You’ll need

• 2 chicken breasts (butterflied & pounded)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder & paprika
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Make it (3 steps)

1. Prep coating: Whisk egg. Mix Parmesan with spices.
2. Coat chicken: Dip chicken in egg, then press into Parmesan mix.
3. Cook: Pan-fry 5-6 mins per side until golden.

Pro tip: Serve with sugar-free marinara for dipping.

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#4 Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi — 3g net carbs

3g net

🕒 15 min🥄 3g net carbs🍤 Quick seafood

You’ll need

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook shrimp: Melt butter, cook shrimp 1-2 mins per side. Remove.
2. Sauce base: Sauté garlic 30 sec, add broth & lemon juice.
3. Reduce sauce: Simmer 2-3 mins until slightly reduced.
4. Finish: Return shrimp, add parsley & pepper flakes.

Pro tip: Have all ingredients prepped before starting – it goes fast!

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#5 Pesto Salmon in Foil — 4g net carbs

4g net

🕒 20 min🥄 4g net carbs📦 Easy cleanup

You’ll need

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 3 tbsp basil pesto (sugar-free)
• 1 cup asparagus spears
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt, pepper

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Make foil packets.
2. Layer: Place asparagus & lemon in foil, add salmon on top.
3. Season: Spread pesto over salmon, season with salt & pepper.
4. Bake: Seal packets, bake 12-15 mins until flaky.

Pro tip: Perfect for grilling – gives a smoky flavor!

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#6 Spicy Tuna Avocado Boats — 4g net carbs

4g net

🕒 10 min🥄 4g net carbs🚫 No cook

You’ll need

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• Lettuce leaves for serving

Make it (3 steps)

1. Mash: Mash avocado in bowl with fork.
2. Mix: Add tuna, mayo, sriracha, celery. Mix well.
3. Serve: Spoon into lettuce leaves to form “boats”.

Pro tip: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch.

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#7 Cheesy Taco Skillet — 5g net carbs

5g net

🕒 20 min🥄 5g net carbs🧀 Family favorite

You’ll need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ cup diced onions & peppers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup sugar-free salsa

Make it (4 steps)

1. Brown beef: Cook ground beef, drain excess fat.
2. Add veggies: Add onions & peppers, cook 4-5 mins.
3. Season: Stir in taco seasoning & salsa.
4. Cheese: Top with cheese, broil 2-3 mins until melted.

Pro tip: Stir in cauliflower rice last 5 mins for complete one-pan meal.

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#8 Zucchini Noodle Bolognese — 7g net carbs

7g net

🕒 20 min🥄 7g net carbs🍝 Comfort food

You’ll need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup sugar-free marinara
• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• ½ onion, diced
• Garlic, Italian seasoning

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook meat: Brown beef with onion & garlic. Drain fat.
2. Simmer sauce: Add marinara & seasoning, simmer 5-7 mins.
3. Prep zoodles: Sauté zucchini noodles 2-3 mins to warm.
4. Serve: Top zoodles with meat sauce, add Parmesan.

Pro tip: Salt zoodles and let drain 10 mins to avoid watery sauce.

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#9 Philly Cheesesteak Skillet — 6g net carbs

6g net

🕒 20 min🥄 6g net carbs🥩 High protein

You’ll need

• 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 6 slices provolone cheese

Make it (4 steps)

1. Sear steak: Cook steak 2-3 mins until browned. Remove.
2. Cook veggies: Sauté peppers, onions, mushrooms 5-6 mins.
3. Combine: Return steak to skillet, mix with veggies.
4. Melt cheese: Top with provolone, cover to melt.

Pro tip: Ask butcher to slice ribeye thin, or partially freeze for easy slicing.

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#10 Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto — 6g net carbs

6g net

🕒 15 min🥄 6g net carbs🌱 Vegetarian

You’ll need

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup fresh basil
• ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
• Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep zoodles: Spiralize zucchini, salt and drain.
2. Make pesto: Blend avocado, basil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice.
3. Emulsify: Stream in olive oil while blending.
4. Combine: Toss zoodles with pesto, serve immediately.

Pro tip: Add cherry tomatoes and hemp seeds for extra protein.

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#11 Halloumi & Veggie Skillet — 7g net carbs

7g net

🕒 15 min🥄 7g net carbs🧀 Grilled cheese

You’ll need

• 1 block Halloumi cheese, cubed
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• Olive oil, dried oregano

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook Halloumi: Pan-fry cubes 2-3 mins per side until golden. Remove.
2. Sauté veggies: Cook zucchini, peppers, tomatoes 5-6 mins.
3. Season: Sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper.
4. Combine: Return Halloumi to skillet, toss together.

Pro tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything at the end.

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#12 Creamy Garlic Mushrooms — 6g net carbs

6g net

🕒 20 min🥄 6g net carbs🍄 Vegetarian

You’ll need

• 4 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley

Make it (4 steps)

1. Cook mushrooms: Sauté in butter 8-10 mins until browned.
2. Add garlic: Cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Create sauce: Add cream and Parmesan, stir until melted.
4. Finish: Stir in parsley, season to taste.

Pro tip: Serve over steamed broccoli or shirataki rice to soak up sauce.

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#13 Caprese Salad — 5g net carbs

5g net

🕒 10 min🥄 5g net carbs🚫 No cook

You’ll need

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Sugar-free balsamic glaze

Make it (3 steps)

1. Arrange: Alternate tomato and mozzarella slices on platter.
2. Garnish: Tuck basil leaves between slices.
3. Dress: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Pro tip: Serve on arugula bed with toasted pine nuts for hearty meal.

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#14 Greek Salad with Chicken — 7g net carbs

7g net

🕒 10 min🥄 7g net carbs🥗 Meal prep

You’ll need

• 2 cups pre-cooked grilled chicken
• 4 cups Romaine lettuce
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ red onion, feta, olives
• Greek dressing

Make it (3 steps)

1. Combine veggies: Mix lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, feta.
2. Add protein: Add chopped grilled chicken.
3. Dress: Drizzle with Greek dressing, toss well.

Pro tip: Make veggie base in advance for quick lunches all week.

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#15 Italian Sub in a Bowl — 5g net carbs

5g net

🕒 10 min🥄 5g net carbs🚫 No cook

You’ll need

• 4 oz deli meats (salami, ham, pepperoni)
• 2 cups chopped lettuce
• ¼ cup roasted red peppers
• ¼ cup banana peppers
• 2 oz provolone cheese, cubed
• Italian dressing

Make it (3 steps)

1. Base: Place lettuce in large bowl.
2. Add toppings: Add rolled deli meats, peppers, cheese.
3. Dress: Shake dressing ingredients, pour over salad.

Pro tip: Add oregano and black pepper to dressing for authentic flavor.

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#16 Lemon Herb Baked Cod — 1g net carbs

1g net

🕒 17 min🥄 1g net carbs🐟 Easy bake

You’ll need

• 2 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried dill or parsley
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place cod in baking dish.
2. Season: Season cod with salt and pepper.
3. Sauce: Mix butter, lemon juice, herbs, garlic. Pour over cod.
4. Bake: Bake 10-12 mins until flaky.

Pro tip: Add green beans or asparagus to baking dish for complete meal.

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#17 Sausage & Peppers Sheet Pan — 6g net carbs

6g net

🕒 20 min🥄 6g net carbs📄 Easy cleanup

You’ll need

• 4 Italian sausage links (sugar-free)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange: Place sausages, peppers, onions on sheet pan.
3. Season: Drizzle with oil, add seasoning, toss to coat.
4. Bake: Bake 15-20 mins, turning halfway.

Pro tip: Use meat thermometer – sausages should reach 160°F internally.

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#18 Bacon Asparagus Chicken — 3g net carbs

3g net

🕒 20 min🥄 3g net carbs🥓 Protein packed

You’ll need

• 2 chicken breasts
• 8 asparagus spears
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder, salt, pepper

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken.
2. Wrap asparagus: Wrap 4 spears with 2 bacon slices each.
3. Arrange: Place chicken and asparagus bundles on baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake 15-18 mins until chicken cooked, bacon crispy.

Pro tip: Broil last 1-2 mins for extra crispy bacon (watch carefully).

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#19 Denver Scramble — 4g net carbs

4g net

🕒 15 min🥄 4g net carbs🍳 Breakfast dinner

You’ll need

• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup diced ham
• 2 tbsp diced onion
• 2 tbsp diced green bell pepper
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar
• 1 tbsp butter

Make it (5 steps)

1. Whisk: Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté veggies: Melt butter, cook onion & pepper 3-4 mins.
3. Add ham: Add diced ham, cook 1 more minute.
4. Scramble: Pour eggs into skillet, scramble gently.
5. Cheese: When almost set, add cheese, stir until melted.

Pro tip: Serve with sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.

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#20 Microwave Egg “McMuffin” Bowl — 2g net carbs

2g net

🕒 5 min🥄 2g net carbs⚡ Ultra fast

You’ll need

• 2 large eggs
• 1 slice Canadian bacon, chopped
• 1 slice cheddar cheese, chopped
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper

Make it (4 steps)

1. Prep: Spray microwave-safe mug with cooking spray.
2. Mix: Crack eggs into mug, whisk. Add Canadian bacon.
3. Microwave: Microwave 1 min, stir, then 30-sec intervals until set.
4. Cheese: Add cheese, microwave 15-20 sec until melted.

Pro tip: Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra veggies.

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Essential Ingredients to Keep Your Keto Kitchen Stocked

Starting keto is easier with a ready kitchen. A stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer help you cook keto meals fast. This saves time and stress, helping you succeed.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Add staples as you go to build your keto kitchen.

Keto Pantry Staples for Fast, Flavorful Meals

Your pantry is key for quick low-carb meals. Use olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil in many recipes. Vinegars like apple cider and balsamic add flavor to meats and salads.

Canned tuna, salmon, tomatoes, and artichokes make quick meals when fresh ingredients are scarce.

A good seasoning collection lets you cook different dishes easily. Low-carb baking staples like almond flour help make keto treats.

Keep canned chicken, jerky, nuts, seeds, and sugar-free condiments in your pantry. This makes your pantry work all year.

Make your weeknights even easier:
Use this free 2-Page Keto Super Checklist to stock your kitchen for fast dinners.

Fridge Must-Haves for Everyday Keto Cooking

Your fridge is where fresh flavors live. Use full-fat dairy for creamy sauces and dinners. Eggs are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Prepared proteins like rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon save time. Fresh veggies like spinach and bell peppers add color and nutrients to your meals. Don’t forget pickles and olives for extra flavor.

Freezer Essentials for 10-Minute Keto Meals

Your freezer is for nights when cooking is hard. Stock it with proteins like chicken thighs and shrimp. Pre-frozen veggies make quick sides or stir-fries.

Freeze leftovers to save money and time. Frozen bone broth adds flavor to soups. Keep sugar-free desserts in the freezer to avoid cravings.

Organize your freezer with labeled containers. This makes finding what you need easy.

Freezing preserves the quality of your meals. It keeps them fresh for later enjoyment.

Time-Saving Kitchen Tools for Faster Keto Dinners

Smart tools can speed up keto cooking. An air fryer crisps food in 15 minutes. An Instant Pot or pressure cooker cooks tough cuts fast.

A slow cooker is great for hands-off meals. A food processor chops and shreds cauliflower quickly. Sharp knives and a sturdy cutting board make prep safe and fast.

Start with tools that solve your biggest cooking problems. These tools make cooking keto meals easy on any schedule.

Here are the top tools for saving time:

• Air fryer for crispy textures in 15 minutes or less
• Instant Pot for pressure-cooking tough cuts quickly
• Food processor for eliminating tedious chopping
• Immersion blender for one-pot soup preparation
• Waffle maker for quick chaffle bread alternatives
• Sharp knives for faster, safer prep work
• Instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked proteins

Meal Prep Strategies That Cut Cooking Time in Half

Keto meal prep doesn’t take all day. Just 1–2 hours a week can make dinners fast and easy. Focus on versatile components like cooked proteins and roasted veggies.

These mix-and-match items keep your meals fresh without being the same every day.

Quick proteins like rotisserie chicken or grilled steak are great for fast dinners. Add simple veggie prep like chopped peppers and riced cauliflower to speed up cooking.

Double-batch cooking is a big help. Make tonight’s dinner and freeze or refrigerate the extra for later. Sauces and dressings can turn simple ingredients into new meals fast.

Smart storage makes prep work useful. Use clear containers, labels, and keep them where you can see them. Plan your week and prep for busy nights to make keto dinners easy.

Start with one strategy and build from there. You’ll save time, money, and stay on keto without stress.

How to Customize These Recipes for Your Family’s Tastes

These 20 keto dinners are flexible for your family’s tastes and needs. Swap proteins and veggies to fit your preferences. Adjust spice levels for everyone’s taste.

It’s easy to cook keto meals with non-keto sides like rice or pasta. This way, everyone can eat together. Use coconut cream or nutritional yeast for dairy-free or nut-free options.

Keep notes on what your family likes. This way, you can make meals everyone enjoys without extra work.

Want to save even more time?
Download the full 10-Page Keto Kitchen Essentials Guide (free).

Conclusion

With these 20 quick keto dinners, weeknights can be simple and healthy. Each recipe is ready in 20 minutes or less. This shows keto doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

You have all you need for fast, easy keto meals. Whether new to keto or an experienced cook, these meals make low-carb eating easy and fun. If you’re looking to support better energy and mood, here’s how keto can help with female hormonal balance. And for many people, keto also supports overall hormone balance throughout the day.

Try one recipe tonight. Making a delicious keto dinner in under 20 minutes will show how easy it can be. Start your journey to healthier weeknights with that first dish. These meals are great for anyone, new or experienced — and if you’re over 60, this simple guide to keto over 60 will help you adapt the meals to your needs. They help you stay on track and enjoy your evenings.